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Gob Smacked
Snap Decision follows a young woman in New York who becomes involved with a mysterious wealthy businessman and winds up in a dangerous situation. How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
In my work, I’ve learned that story development and shocking plot twists are closer to being the same thing than separate elements. In order to deliver the shock, I need to develop the story around the shocking plot twist I have already chosen. Story development and plot twists need one another, especially in the thriller/suspense/mystery genres. I know I want to shock my readers, more than once, if possible, which means thinking of other plot twists to toss my readers’ way. It’s so fun!
In terms of balancing the two, I begin by establishing the major plot line by developing my main characters, generating the crime, and sketching scenarios. Simultaneously, I form a sub-plot line in which I take one of my characters (or two) and throw them into the thick of an unexpected turn of events. It is when these two lines meet that the shocking plot twist is solidified. The actions and backstories of my characters are imperative in building an unexpected plot twist with the goal of leaving my readers stunned. I must admit when my readers use the words, ‘gob smacked’, ‘blind-sided’, and ‘never saw it coming’ to describe the twists makes me smile for a week.
In closing, I l have to admit I love to shock and surprise my readers and I hope to continue to do just that for a long time.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
As of now, I have a very rough frame of a sequel to Snap Decision. Lots of blue ink cover the margins of the printed copy! As a former teacher, I go ‘old-school’ by using pens to self-edit. The notes I write indicate potential plot/sub plot lines, character development and plot twists. Each day I try to spend an hour to three hours working. Those hours are spent writing, deleting, adding, marketing or simply discussing my ideas with my incredibly supportive and helpful husband. As far as publishing the sequel, my goal is a year to eighteen months. I don’t have a specific date yet. Stay tuned!
Thank you for your time.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
As Paige falls into lust with Max, she ignores the red flags: how Max talks to people as if he owns them, his endless supply of cash, strange early morning deliveries to his yacht. Convinced Max is not what he seems, Fina and their friends Lindsey and Martha implore Paige to look deeper. During an outing on Max’s yacht, Paige discovers notebooks full of names, photos, and strange notes in a small, seldom-used cabin, a discovery that makes Paige agree with her friends.
After Fina disappears one night near Max’s yacht, Paige is torn between confronting Max and playing an evasive game to learn the dark truth. And when things become too dangerous, Paige realizes she’s a tiny fish in a massive pond. As Paige sinks deeper into this risky game, she must decide how to expose Max and escape with her life.
Snap Decision
Holly Spofford’s Snap Decision is a compelling narrative set against the backdrop of New York City, unfolding from January to September 2001. It follows the lives of Serafina “Fina” Manzetti and Paige Buckley, two friends from Philadelphia navigating their careers in the Big Apple. The story gains momentum when Paige encounters an alluring man named Max on her first day of work, leading to a whirlwind romance.
Spofford’s tale is a testament to the mystery genre, adeptly maintaining suspense and engaging readers with its intricate plot. Central to the story is Max, a character whose outward charm and success mask a much darker reality. Fina, working at a magazine, is assigned a story on Max, which leads to her growing skepticism about him. This doubt is echoed by Paige’s friends, Martha and Lindsey, who also harbor reservations about Max’s character. The author masterfully weaves a narrative that emphasizes the danger of superficial judgments.
Initially portrayed as a wealthy, law-abiding individual deeply in love with Paige, Max is gradually revealed to have a sinister side. This revelation about Max’s true nature and activities comes as a shock, as does the depth of his deception regarding his feelings for Paige. Snap Decision excels in delivering a series of unforeseen twists, keeping the reader engaged and invested. The eventual disclosure of Max’s occupation and intentions towards Paige are particularly startling, as is the unexpected conclusion of Paige’s story. This finale, while surprising, might strike some readers as harsh, given the emotional journey of Paige’s character throughout the book.
Spofford’s narrative is a vivid reminder of the complexities lying beneath the surface of human relationships and the peril of ignoring warning signs. Her portrayal of the characters’ emotional landscapes is nuanced, making Snap Decision a thought-provoking and memorable read.
Pages: 281 | ASIN : B0CL7ZHT33
LITERARY TITAN 